Waitsburg City Council issues disaster declaration

WAITSBURG—The Waitsburg City Council met Wednesday, March 18 at the Waitsburg Lions Building. All members of the council were present, and all attendees practiced social distancing measures for a safe environment.

During public comment, Karen Gregutt spoke on behalf of the Planning Commission. At the February meeting, Gregutt informed the council that the commission would be making recommendations pertaining to the Waitsburg comprehensive plan each month. Gregutt updated the council, letting them know that the Planning Commission has reviewed the conditional use permit for Nancy’s Dream Garden, saying that the plan presented was ‘exceedingly supportive of the neighbors around them.’ The commission approved the permit.

After the public comment portion, the council listened to Walla Walla County Emergency Management Director Liz Jessee, who urged the council to declare a disaster in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Jessee repeated that the declaration is not a reason for the public to panic. Declaring a disaster would allow the city to utilize disaster funds should the pandemic affect Waitsburg.

The disaster declaration would open Waitsburg up to federal funds, allow impacted Waitsburg businesses access to U.S Small Business Administration loans, and would allow the city to purchase essential items, like Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) without searching for bids. The declaration will also allow the city to access potential FEMA public assistance funds and would allow citizens to access potential individual, assistance programs should any costs be incurred.

Walla Walla County is forming committees that will handle issues related to the February 7 flooding. Many residents are still dealing with flood damage, and Jessee said they are creating separate committees, so the flood issues don’t get lost amongst the coronavirus response.

Jessee informed the board that the data estimates that 40-50 percent of the entire population will contract the coronavirus. As of Tuesday, March 24, there were two people in Walla Walla County with a confirmed coronavirus case.

Council member K.C Kuykendall noted that the council is ‘responsible for correct messaging’ to avoid inciting panic amongst Waitsburg residents. After reiterating that there is no need to panic and a declaration would be financially responsible, the council voted to declare a disaster for the City of Waitsburg.

Randy Hinchliffe has begun working on a Heritage Capital Grant application for improvements to City Hall. The grant program is through the Washington State Historical Society. In order for the application to be considered, there must be a resolution in place with the city council. The grant would only cover a portion of the overall renovation costs. If the grant were awarded to the City of Waitsburg, the council would have the opportunity to review and determine if they want to accept the grant money or not. Council member Kate Hockersmith urged the council to vote in favor of the resolution that allows Hinchliffe complete the application. The council approved the resolution. Hinchliffe has started contracting to get a conceptual design for the City Hall, to go with the grant application.

During a report on flood recovery efforts, Hinchliffe told the council the city was very close to covering the flood-related expenses. During flood clean-up, a heavy-duty pipe in the river near Preston Park, was found to have been damaged during the February flooding. The protective coating is in need of repair and the public works crews are working to figure out the best way to repair the pipe. Rip rap repair along the river has been going well.

Hinchliffe said he has been trying to get Walla Walla County to help with the flood study costs, because a lot of the flood issues are coming from outside city limits.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, City Hall is now closed.

During council reports, Hockersmith let fellow council members know that the Flood and Emergency Preparedness Committee is working on COVID-19 response. She also informed them that she is working on a grant for the pool and would like to begin searching for lifeguards.

Hockersmith also announced that she is withdrawing her candidacy for mayor this election. She felt, with all of the current local and national events, now is not the time for a leadership change. She urged everyone in attendance to vote for Marty Dunn.

Council member Kuykendall said he will not be running for another term, and he thanked the council for all their support and hard work during his time.

The meeting adjourned following the approval of bills.